Explore Bandung's Charm: Top 10 Best Things to Do in Bandung for Memorable Moments
Need a quick weekend getaway from Jakarta? Located just three hours away (or 30 minutes via the high-speed train) is Bandung, one of the most popular holiday destinations among Jakarta dwellers.
Not only is it renowned for its delicacies, but its cool weather and nature-themed attractions are several other reasons why Indonesians love this city. And with so many modes of transportation available, including the latest ‘Whoosh’ high-speed train, regular train, bus, and car, visiting this mountainous city has never been so easy!
Immerse yourself in lush nature escapes, embark on shopping excursions, and engage with the rich cultural tapestry Bandung offers. Discover outdoor adventures, soothing hot springs, and breathtaking views without any fluff—just solid recommendations waiting to enrich your travels.
1. Discover Tangkuban Perahu's Legend
Located within the boundaries of the Kota Bandung, Tangkuban Perahu is an enchanting volcanic mountain steeped in folklore. It is famously associated with the mythic figure Sangkuriang who, out of anger, purportedly kicked his boat so hard it turned into what we now recognize as Mount Tangkuban Perahu. The distinctive overturned-boat shape of the volcano remains a testament to this lore and invites visitors to explore its primary crater known as Kawah Ratu while enjoying delightful treats from local food vendors nearby.
If you are considering a trip up to Tangkuban Perahu, remember that weather can be quite fickle at such elevations—thus bringing along a jacket and rain protection would be wise. Yet beyond meteorological concerns lies the true allure: natural hot springs dotting its landscape offer unique opportunities for visitors—from boiling eggs using geothermal heat or sinking into steamy pools for some relaxation amidst nature’s splendor.
2. Experience Kawah Putih's Beauty
Bandung is also home to two volcanic craters, namely Kawah Putih and Kawah Rengganis. If you’re looking to soak in the pure beauty of sulfur craters, you’d want to visit Kawah Putih. Situated a stone’s throw from the bustling city of Kota Bandung in the village of Ciwidey, is an enchanting destination known as Bandung Kawah Putih or White Crater. Open to visitors since 1987, this mesmerizing volcanic crater lake draws people with its turquoise waters tinged with white—a captivating sight that should not be missed on your visit to Bandung.
The unique and eye-catching hue of Kawah Putih’s waters can be attributed to their high acidity level. The spectacle created by the clear blue sulfuric water against puffs of mist lends this site a dreamlike quality, transforming it into something more akin to a scene out of fantasy than reality—yet it exists within reach for those who journey to Bandung.
Or else, we recommend visiting Kawah Rengganis for its sulfuric hot springs and mud baths. Take a bath in the hot spring as you revel in the rocky forested walls of the crater view. Afterwards, you can also visit the nearby lake, where you can ride across the lake using a pedal boat.
3. Delight in Bandung's Culinary Scene
Image credit: Princess_yelly_lee on Instagram
Bandung is an absolute haven for culinary enthusiasts, offering a vibrant and varied food scene that promises great dining experiences to all who visit. Whether you’re roaming the lively Cibadak Culinary Night or strolling down Sudirman Street, you’ll be immersed in a world of enticing flavors with both local and global cuisines at your fingertips. Foodies can revel in the rich variety of delectable treats on offer — from succulent satay to scrumptious mie goreng among other mouthwatering options, these streets are where epicurean dreams come alive.
Image credit: mie.mahameru on Instagram
For those seeking out Bandung’s signature dishes, Mie Yamin stands as an unmissable treat. Known for its savory goodness, this noodle dish embodies the essence of Bandung’s cuisine and should not be missed by any visitor wishing to savor authentic local flavors.
Sweet tooths visiting Bandung will find their paradise at esteemed bakeries like Kartika Sari and Prima Rasa. Renowned for their irresistible pastries—and perfect spots for picking up tasty souvenirs—these establishments invite guests to indulge while experiencing some of the city’s most delicious offerings that they can take home with them as reminders of Bandung’s exquisite palate-pleasers.
4. Unwind at Unique Accommodations
Bandung offers a delightful combination of coziness and charm when it comes to places to stay. The Swiss-Belresort Dago Heritage Bandung, for example, is designed to suit both vacationers and corporate guests with amenities such as a fitness center, spa services, children’s club facilities, and a fully equipped business center.
The Vila Air Natural Resort Lembang stands out in the hospitality scene of Bandung too. It is recognized for its warm-hearted staff who provide excellent service that includes:
- Public areas and rooms equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity
- Daily upkeep from housekeeping staff
- An assortment of accommodation styles including many units featuring balconies or terraces
- Varied foodservice options encompassing an on-site coffee shop, restaurant dining experiences, barbeque setups available upon request, plus room service offerings.
For those planning laid-back local vacations within Bandung themselves, consider these properties.
- Gaia Hotel Bandung: celebrated for its extensive range of guest amenities;
- Vila Air Natural Resort: known for giving visitors the chance to indulge in genuine Japanese-style hot spring baths;
- Swiss-Belresort Dago Heritage Bandung: where you can find an opulent heated infinity pool among other features.
Clearly providing much more than just sleeping quarters, accommodations in Bandung are crafted not only for relaxation, but also aim at enriching your travel experience by offering distinctive indulgences unique to each location.
5. Embrace Nature at Lembang's Attractions
The enchanting landscapes of Bandung are on full display in Lembang, with The Lodge Maribaya standing out as a prime example. This destination invites guests to dine al fresco while enjoying the majestic mountain scenery and offers thrilling activities like zipline biking and sky-high journeys in hot air balloons.
Amongst the highlands of Lembang, numerous must-see sites beckon visitors.
- Dusun Bambu captivates with its charming lake houses and culinary spots
- Taman Bunga Begonia is celebrated for an extensive collection of flowers
- Farmhouse Susu Lembang stands out with its quaint Dutch-inspired design that includes a small zoo
Taman Bunga Begonia exudes romance, making it perfect for popping the question or simply meandering amongst vibrant blooms to capture memorable photos.
Within this region sits Indonesia’s largest orchid sanctuary, Orchid Forest Cikole. Home to more than 20,000 plants from this exotic species, it’s a dazzling spectacle not to be overlooked. Equally enthralling is the experience offered by the bustling Lembang Floating Market. Here you’ll find boat-bound vendors serving up an assortment of local fare not to be missed.
6. Shop 'til You Drop in Bandung's Shopping Districts
In Bandung, shopping is not just an activity. It’s a highlight of your visit. The city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of Java’, showcases a harmonious mix of old-world charm and contemporary flair along Braga Street where shops and coffee houses flourish alongside the well-frequented Rumah Mode Factory Outlet. This area offers shoppers a chance to discover distinctive wares in its historically rich yet modern setting.
Renowned for its exquisite selection of textiles and fabrics, Bandung presents an energetic retail scene peppered with various local vendors. It caters to all tastes, whether you’re in pursuit of quaint keepsakes or trendy apparel — there’s something fitting for everyone amidst Bandung’s vibrant stalls.
For an unparalleled shopping adventure in this city, make your way to the Trans Studio Mall strategically positioned at the heart of Bandung near the Trans Luxury Hotel. What sets it apart are:
- Its status as the largest mall in town
- An extensive variety throughout numerous stores
- Incorporation of Indonesia’s most expansive indoor theme park that adds thrill to any shop-till-you-drop excursion.
7. Get Adventurous with Outdoor Activities
For those with a penchant for excitement and lively pursuits, Bandung is an ideal destination brimming with activities. At Dago Dreampark, visitors can immerse themselves in various fun-filled adventures including:
- Heart-pumping ATV expeditions
- Soaring on a flying fox
- Engaging in tactical paintball battles
- Scaling challenging climbing walls
Dago Dreampark caters to the thrill enthusiast eager for thrills.
For those who delight in adventure against the backdrop of nature’s beauty, Stone Garden’s Rainbow Garden awaits. Perched at 700 meters above sea level amidst its rugged landscape lies the perfect spot for slacklining or unwinding in hanging hammocks surrounded by vibrant greenery while gazing upon the towering Sky Tree.
A visit to Bandung promises a collection of outdoor pursuits that offer both spine-tingling experiences and intimate encounters with nature—like delving into history at Sumur Bandung.
8. Immerse Yourself in Culture and History
Image credit: Times Indonesia
Bandung reflects its vibrant history and culture through a plethora of historical sites and museums. One notable example is Gedung Sate, an iconic Bandung building that exhibits a blend of neoclassical architecture fused with local Indonesian motifs, epitomizing the fusion found in Dutch East Indies architectural styles. The structure is famed for its satay skewer-shaped finial, which symbolizes the historic financial expenditure on construction, amounting to six million guilders.
The Geology Museum in Bandung invites visitors to step back in time with displays like reconstructed Wooly Mammoth skeletons and Tyrannosaurus Rex bones, offering an engaging excursion into prehistory that delights both children and adults alike.
For those intent on exploring the roots of West Java’s cultural heritage — also referred to as Jawa Barat — Saung Angklung Udjo stands as a beacon for cultural education. Guests visiting this center can engage fully with traditional arts performances while gaining insight into the rich tapestry that constitutes Bandung’s cultural legacy.
9. Relax and Rejuvenate at Natural Hot Springs
Sari Ater Hotel & Resort
For individuals in search of relaxation and rejuvenation, the natural hot springs of Bandung are a must-visit. The sulfur-rich waters at the Ciater Hot Spring, with temperatures typically between 43 to 46 degrees Celsius, are known for their therapeutic benefits for skin and overall health. Complemented by well-maintained gardens and a small zoo, Ciater Hot Spring also offers various spa treatments and accommodations, catering to a range of traveler’s preferences.
Bandung also offers the unique experience of sulfuric hot springs and mud baths at Marabyia and Kawah Rengganis. However, when visiting these hot springs, guests should observe local cultural practices by choosing appropriate swimwear.
These natural hot springs provide a unique way to relax and rejuvenate while enjoying Bandung’s beautiful natural landscapes. The therapeutic sulfuric waters and the serene surroundings make these hot springs a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
10. Capture Stunning Views from Bandung's Peaks
Enthusiasts of scenic landscapes will find that Bandung boasts a number of observation points from which one can enjoy breathtaking views encompassing the city and its peripheral panoramas. Perched at an altitude of 1,200 meters in Ir H Djuanda Forest Park is Tebing Keraton (The Royal Palace Cliff), offering awe-inspiring sights over Bandung’s sprawl.
Likewise, Bukit Moko presents another exceptional viewpoint where one can overlook not only the expanse of Bandung but also capture glimpses of the charming kota mini area. This location grants visitors with a unique opportunity to immortalize the urban scenery through photography.
To sum up, Bandung is not merely a city, but a realm brimming with experiences ripe for discovery. It beckons everyone from the adrenaline seeker to the culinary aficionado, from those enthralled by history to devotees of natural splendor. This destination delights with its splendid landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, multifaceted food landscape and distinctive shopping ventures – truly presenting something for every traveler seeking an indelible adventure in their journey through life.
